Ex-Yorkshire captain Darren Lehmann '˜had no prior knowledge' of ball-tampering conspiracy

Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann arrives with his team at the Cape Town International airport ahead of flying to Johannesburg for the final Test against South Africa (Picture: Halden Krog/AP).

A Cricket Australia investigation found that Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the plan to tamper with the condition of the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said that Smith and Warner were the only members of the set-up aware of Cameron Bancroft’s attempt to manipulate the ball with sticky tape against the Proteas.

“I want to apologise to all Australians for what took place,” Sutherland told a press conference in Johannesburg.

“It’s about the reputation and integrity of Australian cricket and Australian sport and whether Australians can take pride in their national team.

“The key finding is that prior knowledge of the ball-tampering incident was limited to three players – captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports has not resigned from his position.

“He will continue to coach the Australia men’s team under his current contract.

“The three players on report, we are contemplating significant sanctions, which will reflect the gravity of what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket.”

All three players involved have been sent home ahead of the fourth and final Test in Johannesburg, which the tourists must win to square the series, with Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns called up as replacements.

Tim Paine, who took over from Smith as captain mid-match in Cape Town as the furore began to unfold, has been appointed captain of the Test team.

Cricket Australia chairman David Peever said in a statement: “We understand and share the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about the events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday.

“Ultimately, it is about whether Australians can feel proud of their national sporting teams.

“That depends as much on the way the players conduct themselves, as it does about winning or losing. It is about how we play the game.”